A companion volume to Why Are You So Sad?- David W. McFadden's book of selected poems shortlisted for the Griffin Poetry Prize - this book finally brings together, in one place, all of
McFadden's masterful long poems. For some poets, the long poem is an occasion to stretch one's lyrical legs, try on different stylistic hats, or work out ideas too complex for shorter poems.
For David McFadden, the long poem is much more; here is McFadden's prodigious imagination in overdrive, his language always mischievous and mesmerizing, spinning yarns both comic and
cosmic.
"David McFadden has been a major underground poet all his writing life, and the young poets discover him every year. He has always been the darling of the avant-garde, but he is the most
readable poet on the planet. Like his hero William Blake, he lives at ease among the most supernatural of events, and gazes in wonderment at everyday things. As a poet he reminds you to be
yourself, to be yourself in the world, and give it a chance to amaze you. While reading his beautiful clear language, you sense that he is a trickster, but you cannot help believing every
stanza he writes. If there is any such thing as an essential poet, here he is."-Judges' citation for the 2008 Griffin Poetry Prize
